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Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower

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A quick and indulgent snack or side dish that transforms cauliflower with garlic and cheese into a crunchy, savory delight.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets Choose firm, tight florets for the best texture.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Cheddar is classic; a mix (cheddar + mozzarella or Monterey Jack) gives melt and stretch.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic delivers the most vibrant flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps the florets brown and carry the seasonings.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle heat.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika Optional, adds a smoky hint.
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Optional, for deeper garlic flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder Optional, adds mild sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut cauliflower into even-sized florets and pat dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps them crisp.
  2. Mince garlic and measure out cheese and seasonings.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cooking Method
  1. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  2. Arrange florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  3. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the florets halfway through so they brown evenly. Cook until edges are golden and florets are tender when pierced.
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over the hot cauliflower, return to the air fryer, and cook for 2–3 more minutes at 370°F (190°C) until the cheese melts and is just bubbly.
  5. Serve hot. If you like, finish with a squeeze of lemon or a scattering of chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

To enjoy, serve as a snack with a cooling dip, as a side for meals, or as a vegetarian main with a grain salad. Store in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. Re-crisp leftovers in an air fryer for the best texture.
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